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Corey Myers NWT Tourism
Louise Falls on the Hay River, located just south of Enterprise.
Words by Steve Fennell
For many enthusiasts, a long journey in an RV is ‘the destination.’ So when you travel as far north as the Northwest Territories, ‘the destination’ practically never ends given the number of scenic highways and natural attractions to experience. When visiting the country’s largest territory, it’s best - and wise - to have a detailed travel plan and a good starting point is the Great Slave Route and the lake of the same name.
What makes the route appealing for RVers is it has a few unique communities to visit all along the southern portion of Great Slave Lake with destinations and rugged nature to discover along the way. The lake is also enticing. It spans 28,568 sq km (11,030 sq mi), ranking it the fourth largest lake in Canada and the 11th largest in the world. It even takes the top spot for being the deepest in North America, with a depth in areas of approximately 615 m (2,017 ft).
Great Slave Route
No more than a three-hour drive if you motor straight through, the Great Slave Route officially begins south of the lake on Hwy 2 in Enterprise and ends in Fort Resolution on Hwy 6. The total distance is 184 km (114 mi). While there are longer designated routes, you’ll want to take your time driving this one given the number of campgrounds and outdoor recreation.
Hannah Eden NWT Tourism
Don’t be surprised to see an abundance of wildlife, including herds of Bison.
Paradise Gardens
You’ll know you’re on the right track when you arrive in Paradise Gardens at kilometre 14 (mile 8). It’s settled along the banks of the winding Hay River. With its rich soil and the territory’s long summer days, the area is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in the region.
Perhaps stay a day or two. Paradise Gardens and Campground welcomes RVers all season with 15 sites, 12 of which have power. You even can sample some of the fruits of the region with the ‘harvest-it-yourself’ berry picking on site.
If berries are not quite in season during your visit, golfing usually is. The Hay River Golf Club, which is about 12 minutes from the campground at kilometre 25.3 (mile 15.7) and 10 minutes from the Hay River townsite, is known as one of the best courses north of Hwy 60. The nine-hole track has a mix of par 3, 4 and 5 holes that’ll test your long and short games. There’s even a campground with 10 sites along the river, each one featuring power and fire pits.
Colin Field NWT Tourism
Most territorial parks along this route have campgrounds with power, water, and sanistations.
Hay River
This is where you can merge off Hwy 2 to Hwy 5 and continue your Great Slave Route drive. Hay River is known as ‘The Hub of the North’ and has a variety of services including gas stations, grocery stores, a pharmacy and more. There’s also unique shopping at Fisherman's Wharf, which sells local arts and crafts, produce and freshly caught fish. It operates every Saturday in the summer from 10 am to 2 pm.
One of the best ways to start your experience here is going to the Hay River Visitor Centre. You can learn about Northern Lights viewing trips, expeditions along the Mackenzie River, or day fishing charters. Above all, visitor centre staff are likely to suggest staying at Hay River Territorial Park, which fronts Great Slave Lake on Vale Island.
Of the 67 campsites, 33 have power and there’s a 24-site group area. Each spot has picnic tables, a fire pit and firewood, while showers, washrooms, fresh water, and a pump-out station are other amenities.
One of the main draws is its expansive beach and boat launch, which serve as gateways to many water-based activities on the lake. While the water may be a little chilly when swimming or paddleboarding, you’ll definitely find cool relief on hot summer days.
Steve Freake NWT Tourism
Serious about catching fish? The lake is renowned for its Northern Pike, white fish and Lake Trout.
Like most areas on Great Slave Lake, the fishing is excellent and you’ll likely find plenty of along the shore as well. Trout, white fish, walleye and Northern Pike are the big game here. The latter generally ranges from 2.2 to 7 kg (5 - 15 lbs) but 25- to 30-pound monsters are common.
Hiking is another popular pastime. The Great Trail System runs through the park and elevated areas provide majestic views of the lake. Other hikes include the interconnecting Rotary Nature Trail, Old Town Connector Trail and Oxbow Trail.
To learn about the roots of the region, drive to the village of Dene and Kátł'odeeche First Nation on the Hay River Dene Reserve, which is about 15 minutes from Hay River. The Dene Cultural Institute is a restored log/stone building that showcases Dene art and history.
Just a few kilometres north, the Hay River Mission Sites was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992 and tours include seeing the St. Peter's Anglican Church and Ste. Anne's Roman Catholic Church. There are informational panels for added insight, as well as the remains of a rectory and cemeteries containing spirit houses.
Terry Parker NMC
Little Buffalo River Crossing Territorial Park.
The Great Slave Route Continues
To resume your journey, merge east at the junction at Hwy 5 onto Hwy 6. At kilometre 67.3 (mile 41.8), approximately two hours from Hay River is Little Buffalo River Crossing Territorial Park, located on the river of the same name. Little Buffalo River feeds into the south end of Great Slave Lake and the park has 20 powered sites that can accommodate mid-size RVs.
Well maintained with power and other amenities, its secluded campground is rustic yet comfortable. Plus, fishing the river is exciting and the hiking trails allow you to see more of the region. Keep an eye out for wildlife and the many species of birds.
The park is also 20 minutes from Fort Resolution, which is the final stop on the Great Slave Route at kilometre 90 (mile 55.9). This is the oldest occupied settlement in the territory with a population of 500, and there are a number of attractions to see.
Kyle Thomas NWT Tourism
The shores of Fort Resolution at the end of the Great Slave Route.
While here, plan some time to enjoy its expansive beach and cool off in the lake or launch your boat to cast the afternoon away. Details about self-guided walking tours, boat excursions to Fort Resolution’s original settlement, and the history of Mission Island can be found at the Community Council Office.
The Great Slave Route is just one region of the Northwest Territories, but the natural attractions and outdoor recreation will keep you engaged for a few days or longer. Upon your return trip to Hay River, continue on to the capital of Yellowknife on the north side of the lake or take on one of the other designated driving routes. Either way, visiting one of Canada’s most northern territories will be an experience of a lifetime.
NWT Travel Tips to Know Before You Go
RVing this far north takes some research and planning for the best experience. Here are a few tips to ensure hassle-free trips.
Ronnie Heming NWT Tourism
Be sure to plan thoroughly before your departure this far north.
RV Parks
There are more than a dozen campgrounds in the territorial park system and most have convenient pull-through sites, power, running water, shower facilities and a pump-out station - not to mention several trails and many natural attractions.
Bring Spare Tires, Tools, and Extra Parts
Most of the highways are paved around Great Slave Lake but other areas consist of only ‘well-groomed gravel’ service roads. So, it’s best to bring a spare tire or two (for both vehicles if you’re towing a trailer), tools, and essential gear. Remember to always travel with empty waste tanks to reduce the weight and wear on your trailer or motorhome tires.
Also, pack some extra parts you feel you’ll need. The larger centres like Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Simpson have automotive service stations to accommodate repairs but it may take a few days to order specific RV or tow vehicle parts.
Extra Fuel
Always fill up whenever possible. Since some of the longest distances between gas stations can be approximately 200 to 300 km (124 to 186 mi) bring along some extra fuel.
Watch for Roadside Wildlife
Bears, bison, moose, deer, foxes - to name a few species may be seen along the highways so be cautious and let them clear the road at their own pace.
Understanding The Dancing Northern Lights
JF Bergeron NWT Tourism
It’s hard not to miss the vibrant Auroras.
The Northwest Territories is considered to be one the best places in Canada to view the stunning Auroras. According to the Canadian Space Agency, they are most often green but sometimes have pink and red fringes. They “occur when electrons and protons collide with gasses and solar winds in the Earth's upper atmosphere” and produce colourful scattering lights. Designated tours are available but the Auroras are hard to miss no matter where you are. The peak months to view them is from mid-August to early October and December to early April.